Tampon



` Patented Nov. 7, 1939 I UNITED s'nirlazs` yPATENT 'OFFICE 2 Claims.

This invention relates to a sanitary napkin of the type which, for the sake of adapting it for use internally, is made in the form of a tampon, and for rendering it more convenient in packaging and more readily insertable, is initially reduced materially in transverse dimension, but of an inherent nature that causes it to react to moisture encountered in use and 'enlarge itself into close conformity with the cavity in which it is used, and at the same time enable it to take up and contain a greater volume of `the secretion that has to be absorbed.

Objects, of the present invention are to increase expansibility and .consequent absorbent capacity of such an article to an extent that will make it available for all parts of the menstrual period; to render it more conformable in use and wholly free from abrasive harshness; and to enable it to be more cheaply produced and more accurately calibrated as Vto size, density, expansibility and absorptive capacity.

The invention proceeds upon the principle of using, for the absorptive body of the tampon, iiber preferably cellulosic in origin; in loose condition that renders it not only compressible but resilient and more expansible and absorbent in use; and deiining the shape of said body of ber and the dimensions to which it vexpands through means of an element on the surface ofy said body less expansible than said mass, for instance, by confining the body of fibrous material in a sack which, on the oneV hand, does not detract from its capacity of absorption and, on vthe other hand, lends itself successfully to compression in- 35 cident to initial reduction of dimensions as well as the resilient reaction causing expansion of the body to its full absorptive dimensions when released by dissolution of the solvent.

In the accompanying drawing, in which the preferred embodiment of the invention is shown by way of illustration:

Figure 1 represents the tampon in one form in which it may be used, namely, with an enclosing capsule of soluble material that holds it in its initial condensed form.

Figure 2 represents the article in substantially the form which it assumes as a result of encounter with moisture in use.

Figure 3 is a view of the body portion of Figure 2 with one-half of the coniining sack removed.

Figure .4 is aview of the parts shown in Figure 2, subjected to condensation by a method which includes depression radially inward in planes dening segments o! the spheroidal body,

to bring the body approximately to dimension desirable for packaging and insertion.

Figure 5 is an end view of Figure 1. Figure 6 shows segregated the two halves of one type of acapsule adapted to be used.

Figure '7 shows the capsule members of Figure 6 assembled; and

Figure 8 is a view corresponding to Figure 1 but showing in modied form a capsule with one end open and exposing the body to absorptive action simultaneously with the solvent action upon its capsule.

In Figure 1 is shown the body of a tampon I which, in this illustration, is encased in a soluble capsule that insures sterilization and convenient packaging and handling in the merchandising stage and facilitates application to use. The compressible, resilient and absorbent fibrous body 2 is enclosed in its conning jacket and expanded to dimensions permitted by its said jacket after release from its solublecapsule or other retentive influence. The cord 3 serves as the means by which the'tampon is removed after it has served its purpose. In Figure 3, 4 represents a short bered, non-felted, compressi- Vble* and resilient filler, for instance, absorbent compressible and resilient, non-felted short bers.

4 with their exible dimensionlng, absorptionpromoting and conning jacket 2, such jacketed body will preferably be -forced through a condensing funnel arranged to present it to thecapsule as the body emerges from the funnel; land this funnel will preferably be provided with internal ribs in position which will cause development in the body 2 of inwardly extending radial creases or grooves 2a (Figure 4) in positions corresponding to confines of .segments `of a spheroid. In this method of applying the forces of condensation, readily soluble adhesive may be applied to the surface of the net sufiicient to cause the body to remain under condensation and retain'the body in favorable condition for use without a capsule and free to expand when its creases are released by dissolution of the adheintroduction into a capsule if that be the means chosen forretaining it in condensed form;

The form of capsule shown in Figures 6 and '7 consists of two half-shells telescoping one within the other, made of gelatinous or other known readily soluble substance, several of which are well known as vehicles or containers of medicaments or internally applied remedies; the telescoping edges of such half-shells being adhered together by suitable known solvents or adhesives.

' I1' preferred, a conventional form of capsule may be used, consisting of two substantially cylindrical members telescoping at meeting margins in a. plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the capsule, particularly if the end of one member of this capsule be cut out in such manner that, while' coniining the body against premature expansion, will leave the end of the body in position to absorb moisture and by resultant expansion promote or quicken the release of .the

capsule as it is weakened by its own absorption of moisture even in advance of complete dissolution.

I claim:

1. A sanitary tampon comprising a soft, self-v A 2,178,704v sive. .Or'this'method of condensing facilitates deformable jacket being provided with a watersoluble adhesive that causes the abutting faces of the portions which are doubled inwardly, to adherevtogether and releasably hold the body to its contracted state, and the gatherings of the tampon being substantially eliminated and its full transverse dimension, being restored by the swelling of the body under moisture absorbed incident to use. l

2. A tampon as described in claim 1, in which the water soluble adhesive has suflicient body to lend vto the grooved ,tampon a degree of rigidity that facilitates manipulation. 'l

VERA E. ROBINSON. 

